- Salary statistics
- Hand surgeon salary
Hand surgeon salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
89 800 - 117 800 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Hand surgeon
What does a hand surgeon do? – Tasks and work environment
A hand surgeon is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats injuries and medical conditions in the hands, wrists, and sometimes forearms. The workday involves advanced surgical procedures, often with microscopic techniques, to restore function and reduce pain in patients. Hand surgeons mainly work in specialist clinics or hospitals, performing both planned surgeries and emergency interventions. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, technical precision, and close collaboration with other professionals such as orthopedists, physiotherapists, and anesthesiologists.
Salary development over time
The salary of a hand surgeon has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 93 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 98 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8.3% over the period, which is well above the average for many other healthcare professions. The driving factors behind this salary growth include increased demand for specialist doctors, especially in surgical disciplines, and the fact that hand surgery requires extensive training and advanced skills. Recruitment difficulties and a growing need for specialist care contribute to continued salary increases, while the job market remains competitive.
Hand surgeon salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 98 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99 % of what men do (97 300 SEK/month vs 98 700 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: No comprehensive statistics, but variations may occur depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a hand surgeon is long and requires both broad medical knowledge and specialized training. First, a medical degree is needed, followed by general internship (AT), specialist training in surgery, and then further specialization in hand surgery. In addition to formal education, practical experience and continuing education are crucial for success in the profession.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years (university)
- Internship (AT): 18–24 months
- Specialist training (ST) in surgery: approximately 5 years
- Subspecialization in hand surgery: 1–2 years
- Continuing education and certifications: Ongoing throughout career
- Prerequisites: Approved grades from high school with a science focus
Hand surgery combines surgical skill with artistic precision – often requiring work with microscopes and specialized instruments to restore fine motor skills and sensation in patients' hands. This makes the profession particularly attractive for those who enjoy problem-solving and advanced technology.
Common benefits and compensations
Hand surgeons are often offered competitive pension contributions, generous vacation benefits, opportunities for research and educational stipends, as well as compensation for on-call and standby duties. Special wellness allowances and access to internal training are also common among public and private employers.
Competition and challenges
The job market for hand surgeons is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions, especially at leading university hospitals and larger specialist clinics. At the same time, recruitment difficulties exist in several parts of the country, creating opportunities for newly graduated professionals with the right skills. Challenges often include staying updated with rapid medical advancements and managing the psychological pressure associated with advanced and sometimes emergency surgeries. High workload, long working hours, and demands for continuous professional development are other factors affecting the profession. Balancing patient safety, technological progress, and work environment is essential for long-term success.
Tips for aspiring hand surgeons
To succeed as a hand surgeon, it is important to combine technical skill with a genuine interest in people's health. Precision and good fine motor skills are essential, as the work involves working with small anatomical structures. Analytical ability helps with complex diagnoses and treatment plans, while patience and perseverance are necessary to complete the long education process. Communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and patients, and a willingness to continue learning is crucial to keep up with rapid developments in hand surgery. Flexibility and adaptability are also advantageous as tasks and technologies evolve over time.
Key facts about hand surgery
- Educational level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 13 years total)
- Work environment: Hospitals, specialist clinics, operating rooms
- Typical work form: Full-time, often with on-call duties
- Demand: Very high, especially in metropolitan areas
- Special skills: Microsurgery, fine motor skills, advanced technology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a hand surgeon, opportunities open to take on greater medical responsibilities, such as department head, medical manager, or supervisor for younger colleagues. Research, teaching, and international exchanges are also common career tracks. Projections from the Employment Service indicate very good job prospects nationally for specialist doctors, including hand surgeons. Demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, and currently, there are 375 job openings in the field. The recruitment situation is paradoxical: while there is a shortage of expertise, the proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession is relatively high, maintaining competition for qualified hand surgeons.
Frequently asked questions about hand surgery
- What is the average salary of a hand surgeon?
- The average salary for a hand surgeon is 98 000 SEK per month. - What are the salary differences between men and women?
- Women earn on average 99 % of what men do in the profession. - What education is required to become a hand surgeon?
- Medical degree, internship (AT), specialist training in surgery, and subspecialization in hand surgery are required. - What is the job market like for hand surgeons?
- Demand is very high, and projections show increasing needs over the next five years. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a hand surgeon?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest 84,600 SEK per month, depending on employer and experience. - What benefits are common in the profession?
- Common benefits include pension contributions, research opportunities, and wellness allowances. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Some variation exists depending on region and workplace, but detailed statistics are lacking.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 85700 kr | 90300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 101800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 98300 kr | 102700 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 103100 kr | 105900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93300 kr | 98000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85900 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 103400 kr | 106700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 90400 kr | 91800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 96300 kr | 97300 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 99500 kr | 103200 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 125700 kr | 128000 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 97800 kr | 99800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85800 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 102900 kr | 106200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80600 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 84600 kr | 89900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96700 kr | 103600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 97500 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 104200 kr | 107300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93100 kr | 98700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86400 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 95300 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 100100 kr | 106600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 105100 kr | 109100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 94000 kr | 100900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 92700 kr | 95900 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 101600 kr | 104600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 103700 kr | 108600 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 138500 kr | 141900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 105600 kr | 109300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86300 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 95200 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 100000 kr | 106500 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 104400 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 93900 kr | 100800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 79600 kr | 83400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 86700 kr | 90600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 100400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 99100 kr | 102500 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 101200 kr | 103600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93500 kr | 97300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 93900 kr | 98500 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 98900 kr | 102800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100900 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92000 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 94600 kr | 95000 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 96400 kr | 99300 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 103500 kr | 103900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 93800 kr | 94800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80200 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 93800 kr | 98600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99000 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100800 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 91900 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Hand surgeon has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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